A massive container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, causing a portion of the bridge to collapse. This incident is suspected to be a mass casualty event, with reports indicating that the same ship, DALI, had previously collided with infrastructure while docking in 2016. Back then, DALI had hit a stone wall at a dock in Antwerp, Belgium, causing damage that required repairs but resulted in no injuries. This time, however, the collision with the bridge was far more deadly, leading to a large-scale emergency response involving the U.S. Coast Guard, local first responders, and the FBI.
Emergency crews were searching for individuals who were believed to be in the water following the collapse. Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace reported that at least two people had been rescued from the water, with one of them in serious condition. Authorities were potentially looking for up to seven people, although this number was subject to change. The vessel responsible for the collision was a Singapore-flagged cargo ship that caught fire and became disabled following the incident. Footage of the collision suggested a possible power failure on the vessel, leading to the impact with the bridge.
As a result of the bridge collapse, all lanes in both directions were closed, and traffic was being detoured to alternate routes. Drivers were advised to avoid the I-695 southeast corridor and to use I-95 or I-895 instead. Both Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. confirmed that emergency personnel were responding to the incident, and rescue efforts were underway. The severity of the situation was underscored by officials describing it as a mass casualty event and a worst-case scenario for rescuers.
The container ship DALI had a history of collisions with infrastructure, having previously struck a dock in Antwerp, Belgium, in 2016. While that incident resulted in damage to the vessel and the need for repairs, no injuries were reported. This time, however, the collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge proved to be far more serious. With the bridge collapse and potential mass casualties, a large-scale response was initiated, including multiple agencies and organizations coordinating the rescue efforts.
The incident involving the DALI and the Francis Scott Key Bridge resulted in a significant emergency response from various agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and local first responders. The collision and subsequent collapse of the bridge led to a search for individuals who were believed to be in the water, with at least two people rescued and one in serious condition. The vessel responsible for the collision, a Singapore-flagged cargo ship, caught fire and became disabled, possibly due to a power failure that occurred before impact.
The aftermath of the collision and bridge collapse prompted the closure of all lanes in both directions, with traffic being diverted to alternate routes. The severity of the incident was emphasized by officials describing it as a mass casualty event, with potential injuries and fatalities. Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. confirmed the ongoing rescue efforts, highlighting the collaborative response of emergency personnel in addressing the crisis.
